MS T-Byrd

"A respectfully re-engineered classic, resulting in an all-rounder that will especially appeal to the roots and country crowd" Steve Henderson, Guitarist Magazine. From John Butler to Joe Walsh, the MS-T-Byrd is a favourite amongst some of the finest players in the world.

First produced in 1958 as a response to a growing musical trend called rock ‘n’ roll, the Mastersounds soon found their way into the hands of local and international musicians (most notably, George Harrison, the Kinks and our own Emmanuel brothers).

The T-Byrd, represents yet another option for the musician searching for something a little different. T- style bridge and bridge pickup complemented by a T- style control plate with volume, tone and a 3-way. The front pickup is a Lollar “Charlie Christian” single coil.

The rock maple neck, features a soft D profile and a tapered headstock The taper also creates a more even string tension across the set, improving the feel across the fretboard. The neck is rock maple neck with a separate maple board. The T-BYRD’s body, silver silkwood with a rock maple cap, is solid enough to handle the toughest road trip without being to heavy.

The MS T-Byrd is a time machine with a modern attitude.

Michael Foley from Maton Guitars provides some background on the birth of the MS T-BYRD.

"The MS T-Byrd was born out of Maton Guitars’ long association with the Australian Country Music Industry. For decades our guitars had been played at The Tamworth Country Music Festival and The Gympie Muster, making Maton the perfect company to be the major sponsor of these iconic Australian events. But something was missing.

With artists such as Keith Urban, John Williamson and Slim Dusty already using Maton Acoustic guitars, the absence of Mastersound Electric guitars on these historic stages did not go unnoticed. Under instruction from Maton directors Neville and Linda Kitchen, a small group of passionate Maton employees were charged with designing and developing an electric guitar that perfectly fit the bill for this discerning crowd of talented country players. Prototypes of this uniquely Australian Mastersound guitar were sent to festivals and players alike, and set about winning over many of the biggest name Australian artists and their sidemen. The T- Byrd was placed into production and has proven to be the ideal guitar for not just country rock, but for all styles of electric guitar playing. The next natural progression in this short lifespan is creating a massive stir in the international retail markets."